What God's Word Says
Read these passages in context and listen for what God exposes, promises, and gives in Christ.
Reflection Questions from Getting to Know Jesus
Know the Shepherd who saves.
Reflect on the people and promises through which God has taught you to know Jesus.
Chapter 1: The Big Picture. Prompts are paraphrased for this website companion. Use the book for the full material.Scripture to reflect on
Paul prays that God would give wisdom for knowing Him.
True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Jesus knows His sheep, and they hear His voice.
Think and pray
- Who has helped you hear and understand God's Word?
- When has a promise of Christ brought particular comfort?
- What might God be teaching you through His Word now?
- How is knowing Jesus different from collecting facts about Him?
Prayer prompt: Ask God to give His Holy Spirit so that you may know Jesus better.
What Does the Catechism Say?
Overview of the six chief parts; Law and Gospel
What does this mean?
The Catechism teaches us to hear God's Law honestly and receive the Gospel in Christ's gifts. Its chief parts move from our need to God's saving work and promises.
Official Book of Concord text from Concordia Publishing House.Law
What truth does God's Word expose?
God's Law exposes sin and the failure of every attempt to rescue or justify ourselves.
Gospel
What does Christ give or promise?
God saves by grace through faith because of Christ's death and resurrection, not because we have earned His favor.
Jesus at the Center
Jesus is not one topic among many. His saving work is the center from which the whole course is understood.
In Real Life
Faith where life actually happens.
- Notice where grades, status, performance, or approval begin to feel like a measure of worth.
- Practice explaining grace without turning it into advice.
South Lake Confirmation Book
Catechism in Real Life
IntroductionHow this companion worksPages 20-25
Look for: The book's Scripture-first, Law and Gospel pattern and its emphasis on Christ's gifts.
- God's Word is the foundation.
- Law and Gospel guide the conversation.
- Christian faith receives what Christ gives.
Discuss
Explain the difference between receiving a gift and earning a reward.
Discussion Guide
A facilitator toolbox for the session.
Chapter 1: The Big Picture
Choose the questions that best serve the group. The guide is not a checklist, and students may answer generally.Getting Started
- How is a man-made plan for reaching God different from the Gospel?
- What would your confidence of salvation rest on?
- Summarize the Gospel in one or two sentences.
Digging Deeper
Grace, not achievement
- What do these passages say about earning God's favor?
- What has God done for sinners in Christ?
The Father's welcome
- What do the two sons reveal about self-reliance?
- What does the father's welcome reveal about God's mercy?
Jesus comes for sinners
- Why are the Pharisees frustrated by Jesus?
- What does Jesus teach about whom He came to call?
Connecting the Dots
- What is one important thing you learned about Jesus?
- Why is grace difficult to receive?
- What question or confusion remains?
- How would you explain the Gospel to a friend?
Pastoral note: Keep assurance anchored in Christ's death and resurrection, not in the strength of a decision or the quality of a person's works.
Keep the Faith
South Lake Confirmation
This Is the Hope For Ending the Evil that Affects Your Life
The promised deliverer who confronts evil through His self-giving work provides a clear bridge to the Gospel centered in Jesus.
Video resources support Scripture, the Small Catechism, pastoral teaching, and family conversation. They do not replace them.Watch & Learn
Trusted Lutheran Resource
A carefully selected resource to support this session after Scripture, the Small Catechism, and South Lake's teaching.
How Jesus Saves Us
This video centers salvation in Christ's saving work, His cross and resurrection, and God's gift rather than human achievement.
Watch on the Publisher SiteTalk About It
Questions for honest conversation.
- How is the Gospel different from good advice?
- Where do you feel pressure to prove yourself?
At the Kitchen Table
How would each of us explain the Gospel in one or two sentences?
Ten thoughtful minutes is plenty. Listen before correcting, welcome honest questions, and end in prayer.